THOMAS COUNTY —A northwest Kansas game warden recently rescued a storm victim from the Thomas County community of Rexford,  with the help of a couple of local residents, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

 The pelican was delivered to a rehabilitation facility for further evaluation.

One of the largest birds in North America, with a 9-foot wingspan, pelicans,&nbsp;stop off in Kansas when migrating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694998494895.png" alt="Photo KDW&amp;P Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photo KDW&amp;P Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>THOMAS COUNTY —A northwest Kansas game warden recently rescued a storm victim from the Thomas County community of Rexford, with the help of a couple of local residents, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The pelican was delivered to a rehabilitation facility for further evaluation.One of the largest birds in North America, with a 9-foot wingspan, pelicans,&nbsp;stop off in Kansas when migrating.

NW Kan. game warden helps rescue pelican injured after storm

You’ve probably heard the news — federal student loan repayments are starting again in October. But scammers might try and tell you they can help you avoid repayment, lower your payments, or get your loans forgiven&nbsp;—&nbsp;for a price. Here’s how to spot and avoid these scams.

The most important thing to know is this: the best source of information on your federal student loans is&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/">Federal Student Aid</a>. Also, you don’t need to pay to sign up for any programs to lower your payments or get forgiveness&nbsp;—&nbsp;it’s all free at&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/repay">StudentAid.gov/repay</a>. And you can do it yourself. (Again: for free.)

Worried about repaying your loans? The calls and texts that offer "help" might be tempting. But before you act, know how to spot the scams:

• Don’t give away your FSA ID login information.&nbsp;Anyone who says they need it to help you is a scammer. If you share it, the scammer can cut off contact between you and your servicer — and even steal your identity.&nbsp;

• Don’t trust anyone who contacts you promising debt relief or loan forgiveness, even if they say they're affiliated with the Department of Education.&nbsp;Scammers try to look real, with official-looking names, seals, and logos. They promise special access to repayment plans or forgiveness options — which don’t exist. If you’re tempted, slow down, hang up, and log into your student loan account to review your options.&nbsp;

As you get&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/prepare-payments-restart">ready for repayment</a>, here are some steps to take:

• Update your contact information with&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing" target="_blank">FSA&nbsp;</a>and your&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers" target="_blank">loan servicers</a>.&nbsp;This way, you’ll get timely updates about your repayment plans.&nbsp;

• Enroll in a&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans" target="_blank">repayment plan</a>.&nbsp;Use FSA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/loan-simulator" target="_blank">Loan Simulator</a>&nbsp;to estimate your monthly payments and compare your repayment options. If you’ve defaulted on your loans, look into the&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/default-fresh-start" target="_blank">Fresh Start program</a>.&nbsp;

If you spot a scam, the FTC wants to hear about it: &nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694718358051.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ARI LAZARUS FTCYou’ve probably heard the news — federal student loan repayments are starting again in October. But scammers might try and tell you they can help you avoid repayment, lower your payments, or get your loans forgiven&nbsp;—&nbsp;for a price. Here’s how to spot and avoid these scams.The most important thing to know is this: the best source of information on your federal student loans is&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/">Federal Student Aid</a>. Also, you don’t need to pay to sign up for any programs to lower your payments or get forgiveness&nbsp;—&nbsp;it’s all free at&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/repay">StudentAid.gov/repay</a>. And you can do it yourself. (Again: for free.)Worried about repaying your loans? The calls and texts that offer "help" might be tempting. But before you act, know how to spot the scams:• Don’t give away your FSA ID login information.&nbsp;Anyone who says they need it to help you is a scammer. If you share it, the scammer can cut off contact between you and your servicer — and even steal your identity.&nbsp;• Don’t trust anyone who contacts you promising debt relief or loan forgiveness, even if they say they're affiliated with the Department of Education.&nbsp;Scammers try to look real, with official-looking names, seals, and logos. They promise special access to repayment plans or forgiveness options — which don’t exist. If you’re tempted, slow down, hang up, and log into your student loan account to review your options.&nbsp;As you get&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/prepare-payments-restart">ready for repayment</a>, here are some steps to take:• Update your contact information with&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing" target="_blank">FSA&nbsp;</a>and your&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers" target="_blank">loan servicers</a>.&nbsp;This way, you’ll get timely updates about your repayment plans.&nbsp;• Enroll in a&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans" target="_blank">repayment plan</a>.&nbsp;Use FSA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/loan-simulator" target="_blank">Loan Simulator</a>&nbsp;to estimate your monthly payments and compare your repayment options. If you’ve defaulted on your loans, look into the&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/default-fresh-start" target="_blank">Fresh Start program</a>.&nbsp;If you spot a scam, the FTC wants to hear about it: &nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: Pay your student loans — not scammers

The Kansas State Fair finished up this weekend and we couldn’t have ordered nicer weather! The fair experienced great crowds and it was so nice to see the number of people who walked through Centennial Hall or sat in the bleachers during the livestock shows.

While the midway is lots of fun, there are so many additional areas to experience! 

Some of my favorites are the K-State Vet Med Birthing Center, the Domestic Arts Building with all of the open class foods and quilts, and the Pride of Kansas Building. Of course, Centennial Hall is my favorite as it holds the 4-H entries!

Cottonwood-Barton 4-H members entered 57 projects which doesn’t include any livestock. A variety of ribbons were earned by these 4-H members and I hope that each family was able to attend the fair to see their items on display.

Just like the Barton County Fair, this is a showcase event for 4-H members who have worked hard on project learning all year. It is easy to get caught up in the ribbon placing but we are really celebrating the hours spent in a barn working with livestock, the dozens of time a recipe was made and kitchen skills honed, and the meticulous gathering and labeling of insects.

We have had packed schedules on both weekends for communications presentations. 

Standing up in front of a crowd is hard enough but these young people are presenting in front of a crowd that may keep moving, little ones who cry or shout in the middle of their presentation, and using equipment that may be a bit different than they are used to. 

One of my favorite moments occurred during the first weekend when a 4-H member was really struggling as she was to present the next day. 

One of the Kansas 4-H Youth Council members knew her and immediately began to calm and coach her. She knew that others were cheering for her and giving her good advice which helped. By the way, that 4-H member received a blue ribbon on her presentation and has set a goal to qualify again next year!

If you know a 4-H member, be sure to ask what they learned before you asked where they placed!

Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District, Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177519229.png" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas State Fair finished up this weekend and we couldn’t have ordered nicer weather! The fair experienced great crowds and it was so nice to see the number of people who walked through Centennial Hall or sat in the bleachers during the livestock shows.While the midway is lots of fun, there are so many additional areas to experience! Some of my favorites are the K-State Vet Med Birthing Center, the Domestic Arts Building with all of the open class foods and quilts, and the Pride of Kansas Building. Of course, Centennial Hall is my favorite as it holds the 4-H entries!Cottonwood-Barton 4-H members entered 57 projects which doesn’t include any livestock. A variety of ribbons were earned by these 4-H members and I hope that each family was able to attend the fair to see their items on display.Just like the Barton County Fair, this is a showcase event for 4-H members who have worked hard on project learning all year. It is easy to get caught up in the ribbon placing but we are really celebrating the hours spent in a barn working with livestock, the dozens of time a recipe was made and kitchen skills honed, and the meticulous gathering and labeling of insects.We have had packed schedules on both weekends for communications presentations. Standing up in front of a crowd is hard enough but these young people are presenting in front of a crowd that may keep moving, little ones who cry or shout in the middle of their presentation, and using equipment that may be a bit different than they are used to. One of my favorite moments occurred during the first weekend when a 4-H member was really struggling as she was to present the next day. One of the Kansas 4-H Youth Council members knew her and immediately began to calm and coach her. She knew that others were cheering for her and giving her good advice which helped. By the way, that 4-H member received a blue ribbon on her presentation and has set a goal to qualify again next year!If you know a 4-H member, be sure to ask what they learned before you asked where they placed!Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District, Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: State fair follow up

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694792012854.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, announced a Kansas woman has been sentenced to 18 months of probation for insurance fraud.

Carolyn Engelhardt, age 30, pleaded guilty in the District Court of Norton County on July 25, 2023, to one felony count of a fraudulent insurance act after she knowingly submitted a fraudulent auto claim to her insurance company for a loss that occurred prior to her purchasing the auto coverage.

She was sentenced on Monday to 18 months probation with 10 months underlying prison time if her probation is violated. Engelhardt also was assessed a $500 fine and associated court costs.

Kansas Insurance DepartmentKansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, announced a Kansas woman has been sentenced to 18 months of probation for insurance fraud.Carolyn Engelhardt, age 30, pleaded guilty in the District Court of Norton County on July 25, 2023, to one felony count of a fraudulent insurance act after she knowingly submitted a fraudulent auto claim to her insurance company for a loss that occurred prior to her purchasing the auto coverage.She was sentenced on Monday to 18 months probation with 10 months underlying prison time if her probation is violated. Engelhardt also was assessed a $500 fine and associated court costs.

Norton woman sentenced for insurance fraud

Discover the All-Inclusive Beauty and Unbeatable Discounts for 2024 Weddings

Nestled just 7 miles north of Hays, The Midnight Ranch has emerged as the region's premier wedding destination, offering couples the perfect setting for a magical wedding weekend. With its elegant, climate-controlled indoor space, spacious outdoor areas, and a slew of amenities, The Midnight Ranch promises an unforgettable wedding experience.

The Midnight Ranch is more than just a venue; it's a canvas for creating your dream wedding. The main attraction is its elegant, climate-controlled indoor setting, allowing you to design your wedding exactly as you envision it.

For those who dream of an outdoor celebration, The Midnight Ranch has you covered. The large covered porch area comes complete with picnic tables and outdoor music, providing a delightful space for your guests to enjoy.

The Midnight Ranch goes above and beyond with its amenities, including:

For added luxury, consider the Bridal Suite, featuring three queen beds, a leather lounging sofa, table and chairs, a wall fireplace, TV, and a 10-foot makeup bar. The suite includes a walk-in closet, private bathroom, and a walk-in shower. And let's not forget the Groom's Suite!

To sweeten the deal, The Midnight Ranch is offering an exclusive 2024 special. Book and hold your weekend wedding during January, February, or March 2024, and enjoy a remarkable $1000 discount.

Don't miss your chance to make your wedding dreams a reality at The Midnight Ranch. Contact us today to secure your wedding date and embark on a journey to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

<h2>Discover the All-Inclusive Beauty and Unbeatable Discounts for 2024 Weddings</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694118731611.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midnight RanchNestled just 7 miles north of Hays, The Midnight Ranch has emerged as the region's premier wedding destination, offering couples the perfect setting for a magical wedding weekend. With its elegant, climate-controlled indoor space, spacious outdoor areas, and a slew of amenities, The Midnight Ranch promises an unforgettable wedding experience.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694118520507.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>An All-Inclusive Dream</h2>The Midnight Ranch is more than just a venue; it's a canvas for creating your dream wedding. The main attraction is its elegant, climate-controlled indoor setting, allowing you to design your wedding exactly as you envision it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694118466445.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Outdoor Bliss Awaits</h2>For those who dream of an outdoor celebration, The Midnight Ranch has you covered. The large covered porch area comes complete with picnic tables and outdoor music, providing a delightful space for your guests to enjoy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694118958513.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A Wealth of Amenities</h2>The Midnight Ranch goes above and beyond with its amenities, including:<ul>
 <li>Seating for 500+ Guests: Ensure everyone you love is part of your special day.</li><li>Your Choice of Food and Drinks: Tailor your menu to your taste and preferences.</li><li>Fully Equipped Modern Kitchen: Prepare your feast effortlessly with a well-equipped kitchen featuring a 10-foot island, freezer, fridges, ice machine, large glass cooler, and a 6-burner stove with griddle and 2 ovens. Plus, a bar area to serve your guests.</li><li>Music for Every Moment: Enjoy both indoor and outdoor music to set the perfect mood.</li><li>Elegant Ambiance: The main area boasts 15 exquisite large dimmable chandeliers and a stunning 10-foot wall fireplace, creating a captivating atmosphere. With 6500 square feet of space, it accommodates guests with round and rectangle tables and chairs.</li>
 </ul><h2>Bridal and Groom's Suites</h2>For added luxury, consider the Bridal Suite, featuring three queen beds, a leather lounging sofa, table and chairs, a wall fireplace, TV, and a 10-foot makeup bar. The suite includes a walk-in closet, private bathroom, and a walk-in shower. And let's not forget the Groom's Suite!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694118701740.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Exclusive 2024 Special</h2>To sweeten the deal, The Midnight Ranch is offering an exclusive 2024 special. Book and hold your weekend wedding during January, February, or March 2024, and enjoy a remarkable $1000 discount.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694118663835.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Don't miss your chance to make your wedding dreams a reality at The Midnight Ranch. Contact us today to secure your wedding date and embark on a journey to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

NWester: Dent rocked it at Fort Hays State University

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses the upcoming Icehouse, Think Like an Entrepreneur series and Quarterly Luncheon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays preps for the upcoming Icehouse Series, Quarterly Luncheon" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=v4a9z-14a83ae-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses the upcoming Icehouse, Think Like an Entrepreneur series and Quarterly Luncheon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays preps for the upcoming Icehouse Series, Quarterly Luncheon

Jim Kammeyer remembers a dove hunt with his dad years ago when he was about fourteen. A small group of he and some friends on a father and son dove hunt had stopped along a pond to determine how to capture a dove someone had shot and dropped into the pond. A breeze was steadily blowing the downed bird out to sea where it would soon be lost if not retrieved. 

Jim says his dad Roger strode up to a small willow tree growing near the water’s edge and with a couple shots from his shotgun toppled the tree into the pond near the floating dove. He grasped the tree and raked the dead bird to the bank where it could be added to the harvest. The rest of the group was left thinking “Why didn’t we think of that?” and the other kids turned to Jim and said “Your dad is so cool.”

Roger Kammeyer has always been known as a tinkerer and a problem solver. He grew up near, and never left the small farming community of Concordia, Missouri where he had been a barber, then a sales rep for a food brokerage company and finally a life insurance salesman before retiring in 1999. 

In his early days as a barber Kammeyer could often be found building fishing rods or designing and building his own fishing lures between haircuts. He is thought to have possibly invented the first “buzz-bait” top water lure used to catch bass, though he never pursued a patent. The spinner blade on that lure was fashioned from an old lunch box Kammeyer had found while scrounging for treasures at the dump. Aptly named the Lunch Box, many feel the lure will still out-fish commercial buzz baits available today.

Years back I penned a column called Man’s Best Friend in which I extolled the virtues of the five-gallon bucket. To this day I’m convinced that no better and adaptable product than the five-gallon bucket has ever been invented. Whether used as a seat for deer hunting, turkey hunting, ice fishing, or picking vegetables from the garden, most garden projects and outdoor adventures somehow make use of man’s best friend, the five-gallon bucket. 

Sometime after his retirement, a friend gifted Roger Kammeyer with a wooden stool that sat on top of a five-gallon bucket and made it a nice rig to sit on when picking green beans. The seat of the stool was raised just enough higher than the lip of the bucket, leaving a handy&nbsp;opening to toss beans into the bucket below. 

The problem was it took two hands to carry the thing, one to carry the stool and the other to carry the bucket. Into Kammeyer’s shop it went, emerging later adapted so the stool fit upside down as a lid that snapped into the bucket, and the original Bucket Stool was born. 

Now made from durable plastic, the bucket stool sits on the bucket in four notches that allow it to spin silently around the bucket. With my 210-pound frame seated on one, it moved effortlessly and quietly around the top of the bucket, allowing me to face any direction I pleased. The Bucket Stool can then be turned upside down and snapped into the bucket to become a lid.

Roger got a patent on this invention, and built them in his garage for over ten years. 

Today the Kammeyer family’s business, RWK Solutions, LLC is located in Concordia, Missouri where the Kammeyers grew up and where they still live today. The Bucket Stools are manufactured there in Missouri too, in the good ol’ USA. 

Check out the stools on their website <a href="https://bucketstool.com/">www.bucketstool.com</a> and find them for sale on Amazon and at other retailers.

Kammeyer says that thanks to his Bucket Stool, he can still tinker in his shop, work in his garden and shorten the life of many fish.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Jim Kammeyer remembers a dove hunt with his dad years ago when he was about fourteen. A small group of he and some friends on a father and son dove hunt had stopped along a pond to determine how to capture a dove someone had shot and dropped into the pond. A breeze was steadily blowing the downed bird out to sea where it would soon be lost if not retrieved. Jim says his dad Roger strode up to a small willow tree growing near the water’s edge and with a couple shots from his shotgun toppled the tree into the pond near the floating dove. He grasped the tree and raked the dead bird to the bank where it could be added to the harvest. The rest of the group was left thinking “Why didn’t we think of that?” and the other kids turned to Jim and said “Your dad is so cool.”Roger Kammeyer has always been known as a tinkerer and a problem solver. He grew up near, and never left the small farming community of Concordia, Missouri where he had been a barber, then a sales rep for a food brokerage company and finally a life insurance salesman before retiring in 1999. In his early days as a barber Kammeyer could often be found building fishing rods or designing and building his own fishing lures between haircuts. He is thought to have possibly invented the first “buzz-bait” top water lure used to catch bass, though he never pursued a patent. The spinner blade on that lure was fashioned from an old lunch box Kammeyer had found while scrounging for treasures at the dump. Aptly named the Lunch Box, many feel the lure will still out-fish commercial buzz baits available today.Years back I penned a column called Man’s Best Friend in which I extolled the virtues of the five-gallon bucket. To this day I’m convinced that no better and adaptable product than the five-gallon bucket has ever been invented. Whether used as a seat for deer hunting, turkey hunting, ice fishing, or picking vegetables from the garden, most garden projects and outdoor adventures somehow make use of man’s best friend, the five-gallon bucket. Sometime after his retirement, a friend gifted Roger Kammeyer with a wooden stool that sat on top of a five-gallon bucket and made it a nice rig to sit on when picking green beans. The seat of the stool was raised just enough higher than the lip of the bucket, leaving a handy&nbsp;opening to toss beans into the bucket below. The problem was it took two hands to carry the thing, one to carry the stool and the other to carry the bucket. Into Kammeyer’s shop it went, emerging later adapted so the stool fit upside down as a lid that snapped into the bucket, and the original Bucket Stool was born. Now made from durable plastic, the bucket stool sits on the bucket in four notches that allow it to spin silently around the bucket. With my 210-pound frame seated on one, it moved effortlessly and quietly around the top of the bucket, allowing me to face any direction I pleased. The Bucket Stool can then be turned upside down and snapped into the bucket to become a lid.Roger got a patent on this invention, and built them in his garage for over ten years. Today the Kammeyer family’s business, RWK Solutions, LLC is located in Concordia, Missouri where the Kammeyers grew up and where they still live today. The Bucket Stools are manufactured there in Missouri too, in the good ol’ USA. Check out the stools on their website <a href="https://bucketstool.com/">www.bucketstool.com</a> and find them for sale on Amazon and at other retailers. Kammeyer says that thanks to his Bucket Stool, he can still tinker in his shop, work in his garden and shorten the life of many fish.Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Sittin’ pretty

My column this week is from Maddy Rohr at K-State Research and Extension news service. I thought it important to get this information out about the pending farm bill.

MANHATTAN — Farm and food policy go hand in hand, so current discussions leading to the next U.S. Farm Bill is likely to affect the availability of food, said Kansas State University agricultural policy specialist Jenny Ifft.

“Food stamps began during the Great Depression based on shared policy objectives of increasing farm income and decreasing hunger in both rural and urban areas,” Ifft said. “Now that program is called SNAP.”

Ten percent of Kansas households experience food insecurity, K-State SNAP-Education coordinator Lisa Ross said.

“The effects of food insecurity can cause health complications, especially in growth and development of children,” Ross said. “SNAP-Ed works to give everyone nutrition education and make sure they get the most out of food assistance programs.”

Nutrition programs are predicted to make up 84% of farm bill spending because of the large role food assistance programs play in the broader social safety net, Ifft adds. SNAP-Ed works to help people eligible for assistance programs lead healthier lives within a limited budget.

“We also initiate and support policy system environmental work designed to promote healthy behavior and decisions in Kansas communities,” Ross said.

SNAP has more than 50 million participants nationwide, most of whom are children or elderly and disabled. Ifft explains that the majority of policy debates are about the 10% of SNAP participants in the “able-bodied without dependents” category.

“The budget for both food programs and farms increased in the last five years, but nutrition increased more,” Ifft said. “That is a topic of debate as well as increasing the budget for SNAP.”

According to Ifft, the SNAP budget was increased administratively by the USDA in the last five years, bringing to question who gets to make those changes -- and ultimately adding to the farm bill debate.

With more than 94,000 households receiving SNAP benefits, SNAP-Ed works to improve health outcomes in SNAP participants and communities.

“It is really important that we work together on this farm bill because without SNAP there is no SNAP-education,” Ross said.

For more resources, Ross recommends visiting <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/ks-snaped/">K-State SNAP-Ed</a> or reaching out to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension agents</a>.

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the wellbeing of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/">www.ksre.ksu.edu</a>. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at&nbsp; 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>My column this week is from Maddy Rohr at K-State Research and Extension news service. I thought it important to get this information out about the pending farm bill.MANHATTAN — Farm and food policy go hand in hand, so current discussions leading to the next U.S. Farm Bill is likely to affect the availability of food, said Kansas State University agricultural policy specialist Jenny Ifft.“Food stamps began during the Great Depression based on shared policy objectives of increasing farm income and decreasing hunger in both rural and urban areas,” Ifft said. “Now that program is called SNAP.”Ten percent of Kansas households experience food insecurity, K-State SNAP-Education coordinator Lisa Ross said.“The effects of food insecurity can cause health complications, especially in growth and development of children,” Ross said. “SNAP-Ed works to give everyone nutrition education and make sure they get the most out of food assistance programs.”Nutrition programs are predicted to make up 84% of farm bill spending because of the large role food assistance programs play in the broader social safety net, Ifft adds. SNAP-Ed works to help people eligible for assistance programs lead healthier lives within a limited budget.“We also initiate and support policy system environmental work designed to promote healthy behavior and decisions in Kansas communities,” Ross said.SNAP has more than 50 million participants nationwide, most of whom are children or elderly and disabled. Ifft explains that the majority of policy debates are about the 10% of SNAP participants in the “able-bodied without dependents” category.“The budget for both food programs and farms increased in the last five years, but nutrition increased more,” Ifft said. “That is a topic of debate as well as increasing the budget for SNAP.”According to Ifft, the SNAP budget was increased administratively by the USDA in the last five years, bringing to question who gets to make those changes -- and ultimately adding to the farm bill debate.With more than 94,000 households receiving SNAP benefits, SNAP-Ed works to improve health outcomes in SNAP participants and communities.“It is really important that we work together on this farm bill because without SNAP there is no SNAP-education,” Ross said.For more resources, Ross recommends visiting <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/ks-snaped/">K-State SNAP-Ed</a> or reaching out to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension agents</a>.K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the wellbeing of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/">www.ksre.ksu.edu</a>. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at&nbsp; 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Farm bill legislation also affects nutrition programs

For individuals who have had a brain injury, moving forward can be very difficult. 

On Sat., Sept. 23, the Brain Injury Association of Kansas will present a seminar for brain injury survivors, their family members and healthcare professionals. The event will be held at Ft. Hays State University, Memorial Union Black and Gold Room 208, 600 Park St. Hays, KS 67601, 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

The seminar will focus on fostering a sense of community and connection among individuals who’ve had a brain injury, family members, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, and will feature separate tracks for healthcare professionals and survivors/family members. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

The conference will provide continuing education credits for RNs, social workers, physical therapists and occupational therapists.

To register for the seminar, click <a href="https://biaks.org/brain-injury-association-events/brain-injury-family-survivor-seminar/">here</a>.

To view more program information, visit <a href="https://biaks.org/brain-injury-association-events/brain-injury-family-survivor-seminar/">https://biaks.org/brain-injury-association-events/brain-injury-family-survivor-seminar/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694536935163.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BIAKFor individuals who have had a brain injury, moving forward can be very difficult. On Sat., Sept. 23, the Brain Injury Association of Kansas will present a seminar for brain injury survivors, their family members and healthcare professionals. The event will be held at Ft. Hays State University, Memorial Union Black and Gold Room 208, 600 Park St. Hays, KS 67601, 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m.The seminar will focus on fostering a sense of community and connection among individuals who’ve had a brain injury, family members, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, and will feature separate tracks for healthcare professionals and survivors/family members. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.The conference will provide continuing education credits for RNs, social workers, physical therapists and occupational therapists.To register for the seminar, click <a href="https://biaks.org/brain-injury-association-events/brain-injury-family-survivor-seminar/">here</a>. To view more program information, visit <a href="https://biaks.org/brain-injury-association-events/brain-injury-family-survivor-seminar/">https://biaks.org/brain-injury-association-events/brain-injury-family-survivor-seminar/</a>.

Help for individuals who’ve had a brain injury offered at Hays seminar

Last month a state district court judge in Montana ruled in favor of young environmental activists — ranging in age from 5 to 22 — and their claim that the state of Montana was violating their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment by allowing fossil fuel development.

Essentially, this ruling sets a first-of-its-kind precedent that government has a duty to protect citizens from climate change.

Well, that’s a bit more difficult to unpack.

The Kansas Constitution, unlike Montana’s, does not provide explicit protections for the environment, though there are numerous state laws in place for varying levels of environmental protection.

For example, the rise in wind energy utilization over the past two decades has led to a consistent decline in the state’s carbon emissions — a well known contributor to global climate change.

Though, Kansas has not yet adopted a 100% renewable energy goal like other environmentally-conscious states have, including our western neighbor, Colorado.

Perhaps this isn’t surprising considering the oil and natural gas industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy — according to the Kansas Geological Survey, run by the University of Kansas, there are currently 45,402 oil wells and 19,015 natural gas wells in operation across the state — and the state is home to one of the largest fossil fuel companies in the country.

But one thing is clear both in Montana and Kansas, citizens — especially young people — are concerned about the effects of climate change.

Data from the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University supports this assertion. Nearly half (49%) of Kansans expressed that climate change was a crisis or major problem and another 28% said it was a minor problem.

Furthermore, nearly 75% of respondents said that state government policies could have some effect on limiting climate change — 78% said federal government and 68% said local government could have some effect.

Notably, 78% of Kansans also indicated that business and corporate policies could have some effect on limiting climate change.

Exit polling conducted by Fox News during the November 2022 election also found that 52% of Kansans are very or somewhat concerned about the effects of climate change on their local community.

Responsively, Kansas has made great strides towards being a leader in renewable energy — wind energy accounted for 47% of our electricity generation in 2022, which was the third-highest share of wind power for any state after Iowa and South Dakota, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. And in 2019, wind energy surpassed coal for the first time as the largest energy source for generating electricity in Kansas.

Furthermore, the Kansas Renewable Energy Standards Act, passed in 2019, established a voluntary goal that 20% of a utility’s peak demand will be generated from renewable energy resources by the year 2020.

The state also has some tax incentives in place to encourage individuals and businesses to utilize alternative energy sources.

The Energy Information Administration has dubbed Kansas among the states with the most wind power potential due to our wide open plains, yet a vast majority of Kansas’ wind resources still remain untapped.

Considering the broad concern about climate change among Kansans, an increase in climate related temperatures and disasters across the globe, and evidence that climate change is responsible for the slow depletion of the High Plains Aquifer System — including the well-known Ogallala Aquifer, which is the most important water source for much of western and central Kansas — let’s hope that state policy continues to move in the direction of renewable energy, leaving fossil fuels development a thing of the past.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is the Department Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699489540.png" alt="Alexandra Middlewood (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Last month a state district court judge in Montana ruled in favor of young environmental activists — ranging in age from 5 to 22 — and their claim that the state of Montana was violating their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment by allowing fossil fuel development.Essentially, this ruling sets a first-of-its-kind precedent that government has a duty to protect citizens from climate change.What does this mean for Kansas?Well, that’s a bit more difficult to unpack.The Kansas Constitution, unlike Montana’s, does not provide explicit protections for the environment, though there are numerous state laws in place for varying levels of environmental protection.For example, the rise in wind energy utilization over the past two decades has led to a consistent decline in the state’s carbon emissions — a well known contributor to global climate change.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Though, Kansas has not yet adopted a 100% renewable energy goal like other environmentally-conscious states have, including our western neighbor, Colorado.Perhaps this isn’t surprising considering the oil and natural gas industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy — according to the Kansas Geological Survey, run by the University of Kansas, there are currently 45,402 oil wells and 19,015 natural gas wells in operation across the state — and the state is home to one of the largest fossil fuel companies in the country.But one thing is clear both in Montana and Kansas, citizens — especially young people — are concerned about the effects of climate change.Data from the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University supports this assertion. Nearly half (49%) of Kansans expressed that climate change was a crisis or major problem and another 28% said it was a minor problem.Furthermore, nearly 75% of respondents said that state government policies could have some effect on limiting climate change — 78% said federal government and 68% said local government could have some effect.Notably, 78% of Kansans also indicated that business and corporate policies could have some effect on limiting climate change.Exit polling conducted by Fox News during the November 2022 election also found that 52% of Kansans are very or somewhat concerned about the effects of climate change on their local community.Responsively, Kansas has made great strides towards being a leader in renewable energy — wind energy accounted for 47% of our electricity generation in 2022, which was the third-highest share of wind power for any state after Iowa and South Dakota, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. And in 2019, wind energy surpassed coal for the first time as the largest energy source for generating electricity in Kansas.Furthermore, the Kansas Renewable Energy Standards Act, passed in 2019, established a voluntary goal that 20% of a utility’s peak demand will be generated from renewable energy resources by the year 2020.The state also has some tax incentives in place to encourage individuals and businesses to utilize alternative energy sources.The Energy Information Administration has dubbed Kansas among the states with the most wind power potential due to our wide open plains, yet a vast majority of Kansas’ wind resources still remain untapped.Considering the broad concern about climate change among Kansans, an increase in climate related temperatures and disasters across the globe, and evidence that climate change is responsible for the slow depletion of the High Plains Aquifer System — including the well-known Ogallala Aquifer, which is the most important water source for much of western and central Kansas — let’s hope that state policy continues to move in the direction of renewable energy, leaving fossil fuels development a thing of the past.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is the Department Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University.

Insight Kansas: Kansans concerned about climate change as a majority of wind energy potential remains untapped

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694791984786.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Natoma's Shawna Dunlap honored as 'Good Citizen of the Year'

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/369/Police" target="_blank">Hays Police Department Deputy</a> Chief Brian Dawson discusses alcohol and noise violations in the city of Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays Police Department shares information about alcohol, noise violations" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=kcfx7-14a8380-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/369/Police" target="_blank">Hays Police Department Deputy</a> Chief Brian Dawson discusses alcohol and noise violations in the city of Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Police Department shares information about alcohol, noise violations

There will be so much happening throughout Fort Hays State University Homecoming, which starts in just two weeks, but here are a few highlights we want to share. These are events that require pre-registration, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on the opportunities to make meaningful connections and fondly share their memories of their time on campus. All of these details (and so much more) can be found at <a href="http://FHSUHomecoming.com">FHSUHomecoming.com</a>.

Please register by Sept. 20 at <a href="http://FHSUHomecoming.com.">FHSUHomecoming.com.</a>

<div><iframe title="Preparations underway for FHSU Homecoming" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6s67p-14a84fb-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>SubmittedThere will be so much happening throughout Fort Hays State University Homecoming, which starts in just two weeks, but here are a few highlights we want to share. These are events that require pre-registration, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on the opportunities to make meaningful connections and fondly share their memories of their time on campus. All of these details (and so much more) can be found at <a href="http://FHSUHomecoming.com">FHSUHomecoming.com</a>.Thursday, Sept. 28<ul>
 <li>Our&nbsp;annual golf tournament&nbsp;is once again SOLD OUT, and we are looking forward to another exciting year at Smoky Hill Country Club.</li><li>Those who are not golfing should check out&nbsp;Lunch with head Tiger Football Coach Chris Brown&nbsp;at noon on Thursday at Smoky Hill Country Club. This is a once-a-year chance to get to know Coach Brown, hear about some of his gameday rituals, how he interacts with his team, and his overall outlook on the year so far. This is a crowd favorite, and tickets are $17.</li>
 </ul>Friday, Sept. 29<ul>
 <li>Those who graduated from FHSU 50 or more years ago are invited to the annual&nbsp;Half Century Club luncheon. This year, we are inducting the class of 1973 to the club and look forward to hearing some of the stories from their time at Fort Hays Kansas State College. This event in the Memorial Union begins with a social at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at noon. Tickets are $20.</li><li>Also on Friday is our&nbsp;Alumni &amp; Friends Awards Banquet,&nbsp;where we get to honor the six individuals being recognized for their successes this year. While we honor our awardees all weekend, this formal dinner is the official recognition of those who have not only contributed to FHSU but have gone on to make a difference in their communities and in their professions. Tickets are $30, and the evening begins with a social at 6 p.m. followed by dinner in the Memorial Union.</li><li>Read about the alumni awards recipients at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/047de2f4-b426-4f5d-a153-8a01d2145fec">As FHSU preps for Homecoming, alumni award recipients announced</a></li>
 </ul>Saturday, Sept. 30<ul>
 <li>There will be so much activity on Saturday, but we’ll once again begin by honoring the FHSU classes of&nbsp;1973 and 1963 for their reunion breakfast&nbsp;in the morning. It will be a more intimate setting for those classmates from 50 and 60 years ago to catch up, and tickets for this are $15 each. That begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Union.</li><li>Before kickoff that evening, all alumni and friends are welcome to a&nbsp;tailgate buffet&nbsp;on the East Lawn of Lewis Field at 5 p.m. Over the years, the event has welcomed not just alumni and fans but also families of the players on the team. It’s a great chance for them to connect while they are in town. Registration for the tailgate is $16 but DOES NOT include a ticket to the game. Tickets for the&nbsp;game vs. the Lincoln Blue Tigers&nbsp;can be purchased through FHSU athletics.</li>
 </ul>Please register by Sept. 20 at <a href="http://FHSUHomecoming.com.">FHSUHomecoming.com.</a>

🎙 Deadline for tickets for some FHSU alumni Homecoming events Wednesday

LAWRENCE — Schools and prisons share many similarities: authoritarian structure, emphasis on silence and order, schedules to follow, rules not to break.

“Teachers and administrators need to discontinue the relationship between punishment and education and begin to create environments where students can thrive in nonpunitive ways,” said Nikia Robert, assistant professor of religious studies at the University of Kansas.

Her article titled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pdcnet.org/jsce/content/jsce_2023_0999_4_27_86">“An Ethic of Abolition: Becoming Educational Sanctuaries”</a>&nbsp;addresses the uncanny resemblance between the educational/industrial complex and the U.S. carceral state. Both employ policies, pedagogies and practices to respond punitively to com­munal transgressions. In response, Robert offers an abolitionist theological ethic to create educational sanctuaries. It appears in the Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics.

“We use punishment to scare people into obedience," Robert said. "But what you produce are robots, not sentient beings with critical thinking who are accountable and aware of how their actions may harm others. As a professor, I’m always looking for transformative ways to build work ethic and curiosity, so students aren’t motivated to produce simply based on their fear of being punished.”

Robert also argues how students in underrepresented groups — ranging from pre-K to postsecondary institutions — become particularly vulnerable when punishment is used to “perpetuate anti-Blackness, patriarchy and other social inequities.” This in many ways mirrors the carceral system, she said.

The educator became further mindful of the similarities found in schools and prisons when teaching an Inside-Out course at a state prison.

“When you look at the yard versus a college campus, it appears very similar,” she said.

Her course was called “Prisons, Punishment and Redemption,” taught at the California Institution for Women in Chino.

“A lot of the women there were lifers,” she said. “It was a really meaningful course for them and for me. I hope to bring something like it here to Kansas — we certainly have plenty of prisons.”

Robert said that schools are not doing enough to make a distinction between a classroom and a jail cell.

“We’re here as educators wanting to create sanctuaries so that students can thrive as whole beings. We don’t want these kinds of docile, empty people who are afraid of consequences,” she said.

“We can start by looking at more equitable grading strategies. Using rubrics, using more marginal comments, allowing students to have retakes. So in other words, moving away from this rigid and punitive model and doing more to cultivate the whole student.”

As her article notes, Robert maintains a personal connection to this topic. Her daughter currently attends a K-8 private school in California.

“She’s been so deeply affected by the detention system," Robert said. "So much so that if it was cold and she didn’t have a hat or coat that conform to their uniform policy, she would risk her own health rather than violate the policy out of fear of getting detention. I could not convince her otherwise because my daughter is a rule-follower.”

Since that situation emerged, Robert has been working with the school to put an end to detention.

“Why would an educational institution have detention? That’s something you find in a prison,” she said. “Surely, we can be more creative and spend more effort to think of ways to respond to harms, other than just saying, ‘Go to detention!’”

A New York native, Robert just began her first semester at KU. She is also executive director of Abolitionist Sanctuary, a “national faith-based coalition united against the moral crisis of mass incarceration and the criminalization of impoverished Black motherhood.”&nbsp;Her research focuses on ethics.

Robert continues to explore ways of replacing punishment in educational settings with something more effective and humane. Noting KU’s “rich legacy of racial integration in sports that coincides with an impactful history in the town of Lawrence and abolitionist movements,” she hopes to build a course, and possibly a conference, which connects the university with local community organizers in order to double-down on the commitment to building abolitionist sanctuaries in education.

“Punishment is just the easy way out. But to get to the root problem requires creativity. It requires community. How do we come together and think about solutions so that we can repair the harms, restore the relationships and rebuild a more just and equitable system where everyone can thrive?” she said.

“I don’t think prisons are fixable, but I hope schools are.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694450321315.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — Schools and prisons share many similarities: authoritarian structure, emphasis on silence and order, schedules to follow, rules not to break.“Teachers and administrators need to discontinue the relationship between punishment and education and begin to create environments where students can thrive in nonpunitive ways,” said Nikia Robert, assistant professor of religious studies at the University of Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://news.ku.edu/sites/news.ku.edu/files/images/general/2023_news/september/Nikia%20Robert%201.png" alt="Nikia Robert" />
 <figcaption>Nikia Robert</figcaption>
 </figure>Her article titled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pdcnet.org/jsce/content/jsce_2023_0999_4_27_86">“An Ethic of Abolition: Becoming Educational Sanctuaries”</a>&nbsp;addresses the uncanny resemblance between the educational/industrial complex and the U.S. carceral state. Both employ policies, pedagogies and practices to respond punitively to com­munal transgressions. In response, Robert offers an abolitionist theological ethic to create educational sanctuaries. It appears in the Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics.“We use punishment to scare people into obedience," Robert said. "But what you produce are robots, not sentient beings with critical thinking who are accountable and aware of how their actions may harm others. As a professor, I’m always looking for transformative ways to build work ethic and curiosity, so students aren’t motivated to produce simply based on their fear of being punished.”Robert also argues how students in underrepresented groups — ranging from pre-K to postsecondary institutions — become particularly vulnerable when punishment is used to “perpetuate anti-Blackness, patriarchy and other social inequities.” This in many ways mirrors the carceral system, she said.The educator became further mindful of the similarities found in schools and prisons when teaching an Inside-Out course at a state prison.“When you look at the yard versus a college campus, it appears very similar,” she said.Her course was called “Prisons, Punishment and Redemption,” taught at the California Institution for Women in Chino.“A lot of the women there were lifers,” she said. “It was a really meaningful course for them and for me. I hope to bring something like it here to Kansas — we certainly have plenty of prisons.”Robert said that schools are not doing enough to make a distinction between a classroom and a jail cell.“We’re here as educators wanting to create sanctuaries so that students can thrive as whole beings. We don’t want these kinds of docile, empty people who are afraid of consequences,” she said.“We can start by looking at more equitable grading strategies. Using rubrics, using more marginal comments, allowing students to have retakes. So in other words, moving away from this rigid and punitive model and doing more to cultivate the whole student.”As her article notes, Robert maintains a personal connection to this topic. Her daughter currently attends a K-8 private school in California.“She’s been so deeply affected by the detention system," Robert said. "So much so that if it was cold and she didn’t have a hat or coat that conform to their uniform policy, she would risk her own health rather than violate the policy out of fear of getting detention. I could not convince her otherwise because my daughter is a rule-follower.”Since that situation emerged, Robert has been working with the school to put an end to detention.“Why would an educational institution have detention? That’s something you find in a prison,” she said. “Surely, we can be more creative and spend more effort to think of ways to respond to harms, other than just saying, ‘Go to detention!’”A New York native, Robert just began her first semester at KU. She is also executive director of Abolitionist Sanctuary, a “national faith-based coalition united against the moral crisis of mass incarceration and the criminalization of impoverished Black motherhood.”&nbsp;Her research focuses on ethics.Robert continues to explore ways of replacing punishment in educational settings with something more effective and humane. Noting KU’s “rich legacy of racial integration in sports that coincides with an impactful history in the town of Lawrence and abolitionist movements,” she hopes to build a course, and possibly a conference, which connects the university with local community organizers in order to double-down on the commitment to building abolitionist sanctuaries in education.“Punishment is just the easy way out. But to get to the root problem requires creativity. It requires community. How do we come together and think about solutions so that we can repair the harms, restore the relationships and rebuild a more just and equitable system where everyone can thrive?” she said.“I don’t think prisons are fixable, but I hope schools are.”

Reliance on student punishment in schools needs reconsideration, KU professor argues

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The one person who showed up to speak during Thursday's public hearing on the 2024 proposed budget for the city of Hays requested a reduction in the mill levy of a couple mills.

Ken Kennedy has made the same request of the Ellis County Commission and Hays USD 489 school board.

Kennedy is most concerned about his total tax bill and a large increase in valuation, which has been the case the past few years.

But it's the county and state that set property valuations; the city has nothing to do with the process.

Commissioners unanimously approved the 2024 budget and its 25 mill levy, which has remained the same for the past 15 years.&nbsp;

Assessed valuation is up 12% for the city. The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2eac70a2-defb-441a-b6ec-ebd4a44fd068">mill levy for USD 489 will go down, but the increase in valuations means higher taxes</a> for school district patrons.&nbsp;

Lowering the mill levy "is easier said than done," said Shaun Musil, mayor. "But don't think your comments have fallen on deaf ears. I've had many people ask why can't we do the cut."

Musil, owner of the Paisley Pear, Wine Bar, and Market in downtown Hays, agreed with Kennedy that "as a resident, as a business owner, we're all feeling it right now."

Musil, along with the other four commissioners, each said they're pleased with the budget and the scrutiny that goes into it by department heads and city staff.

"I think there's some efficiencies we can find but I also think you guys run very good organization here," Musil said.&nbsp;

"(Maybe) we can find a little bit to cut; I think we can. But I don't want to put the commission five years down the road in dire need."

<div><iframe title="Hays City Commission passes 2024 budget" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=tmp8f-14a84b0-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694826982559.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe one person who showed up to speak during Thursday's public hearing on the 2024 proposed budget for the city of Hays requested a reduction in the mill levy of a couple mills.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694797878087.jpeg" alt="Ken Kennedy" />
 <figcaption>Ken Kennedy</figcaption>
 </figure>Ken Kennedy has made the same request of the Ellis County Commission and Hays USD 489 school board.Kennedy is most concerned about his total tax bill and a large increase in valuation, which has been the case the past few years.But it's the county and state that set property valuations; the city has nothing to do with the process.Commissioners unanimously approved the 2024 budget and its 25 mill levy, which has remained the same for the past 15 years.&nbsp;Assessed valuation is up 12% for the city. The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2eac70a2-defb-441a-b6ec-ebd4a44fd068">mill levy for USD 489 will go down, but the increase in valuations means higher taxes</a> for school district patrons.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V4erEj3uPR4" title="Hays 2024 budget hearing" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Lowering the mill levy "is easier said than done," said Shaun Musil, mayor. "But don't think your comments have fallen on deaf ears. I've had many people ask why can't we do the cut."Musil, owner of the Paisley Pear, Wine Bar, and Market in downtown Hays, agreed with Kennedy that "as a resident, as a business owner, we're all feeling it right now."Musil, along with the other four commissioners, each said they're pleased with the budget and the scrutiny that goes into it by department heads and city staff."I think there's some efficiencies we can find but I also think you guys run very good organization here," Musil said.&nbsp;"(Maybe) we can find a little bit to cut; I think we can. But I don't want to put the commission five years down the road in dire need.""I look at this budget very closely every year. ... I wish we could cut across the board," said Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor. "But I also know how important services are in this community, how important it is to economic development, how important it is when we're attracting businesses and people to this community. "It's a scale that needs to be balanced very carefully."Musil noted that Hays is one of just a few communities in northwestern Kansas that is growing.&nbsp;Commissioner Reese Barrick talked about the R-9 Ranch long-term water project, its big costs, and the need to add two employee positions. "Normally, we wouldn't be hiring more employees, but it's going to benefit the whole community," Barrick said.&nbsp;Barrick also talked about the city's strategy of paying cash for big projects."We're avoiding bonding and bigger (mill) increases by keeping roads paved and sewers cleaned out."&nbsp;Toby Dougherty, city manager, commended the commissioners on their approach to finances.&nbsp;"Funding reserves, paying for things with cash, staying proactive, those are important," said Dougherty.In other business, commissioners also approved a resolution for setting a public hearing Oct. 26 for establishment of a tax increment financing district, known as a TIF, for a new travel plaza to be built by Triplett, Inc., Salina, just north of the Interstate 70 Exit 157.The developer will also be asking the city for a community improvement district and industrial revenue bonds for the project, expected to be completed in the spring of 2025.The 9,000 square foot travel plaza and convenience store to be operated under the 24-7 Travel Store brand will include 12 gas fuel positions and five diesel fuel positions, electric vehicle charging stations, a restaurant in the travel plaza, a dog park, and RV overnight camp sites.&nbsp;

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